Information from the consultant’s report about the Asheville community listening sessions and from the City’s online questionnaire were used to inform this first round of budget recommendations to be made at the Sept. 22 City Council meeting. These recommendations are only the beginning of the effort to re-imagine the delivery of public safety [...]
The joint City-County Vance Monument Taskforce has begun its work of exploring options for removing, repurposing, or making alterations to the Vance Monument, as charged in a joint resolution by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. With six members appointed by the City of Asheville and six members appointed by Buncombe [...]
Following a clear call from our community, City Council voted to remove or repurpose the Vance Monument, passed a resolution supporting community reparations, and passed a budget that only funded departments for three months so that City staff could [...]
City of Asheville government will be closed Sept. 7 for Labor Day. City facilities remain closed to the public at this time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though some parks have reopened. During this public health emergency, City employees have continued their work, some in the field, such as in sanitation, water, transit, fire and police, [...]
Members of our community, We are aware of possible protests planned for this weekend by groups who do not live here or support the work we are doing in Asheville. We, as a Council, want to encourage residents to refrain from planning counter protests. Some protestors will likely be carrying weapons and have stated that they “plan [...]
Updated information: The City of Asheville has now opened a survey to gather input from residents on how our public safety services can better promote racial equity and economic inclusion. Original announcement: In September, the City of Asheville will launch an extensive series of listening sessions with the community to help us reimagine the [...]
Due to the State and locally declared States of Emergency, there will be no public attendance at City Council meetings. While we are Staying Safer at Home, City Council still wants you to have the opportunity to participate in the decisions of your government. There are three options for providing public comment. [...]
Due to the State and locally declared States of Emergency, there will be no public attendance at City Council meetings. While we are Staying Safer at Home, City Council still wants you to have the opportunity to participate in the decisions of your government. There are three options for providing public comment. [...]
The Vance Monument Task Force (VMTF) was created by a joint resolution (Joint Resolution – Monuments) by the City of Asheville and Buncombe County. This group will be tasked with gathering citizen input, particularly from those most impacted by the monuments and participate in public dialogue. The task force will consist of up [...]
In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, which is on a Saturday this year, City of Asheville offices will be closed July 3. ART bus service will operate on a reduced holiday schedule July 4. The Fourth of July holiday is one of six holidays throughout the calendar year that ART offers bus service. For [...]
The June 23 Asheville City Council meeting will be held remotely. Due to the locally declared State of Emergency and the State Phase 2 Safer at Home order, there will be no public attendance at this meeting. This includes news media. The agenda is posted at this link. City Council wants our [...]
In support of Asheville Police Chief David Zack’s recommendation of an outside independent investigation into Asheville Police’s response to recent protests, City Council has requested that the City Attorney’s Office, under the direction of City Attorney Brad Branham, lead the effort to select the investigator. This move is aimed at maximizing accountability and transparency to [...]
During Asheville City Council’s June 9 meeting, Asheville Police Chief David Zack reported to Council that the City of Asheville had hired a transparency engagement advisory firm to assist the Asheville Police Department with disseminating public information. These advisors from Cole Pro Media are here to help us deliver our messages in a transparent and [...]
Top priority is the safety of our community and to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while conducting City business The June 9 Asheville City Council meeting will be held remotely. Due to the locally declared State of Emergency and the State Phase 2 Safer at Home order, there will be no public attendance at [...]
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, City Manager Debra Campbell, Asheville Police Deputy Chief James Baumstark and Lieutenant Brandon Moore met with UNC Asheville Chancellor Nancy Cable, UNC Asheville students and others who provided medical supplies during Tuesday’s demonstration. The discussion focused on ways to enhance communication and collaboration. The City of Asheville agreed to reimburse the staff [...]
RELATED: Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer declares State of Emergency, issues curfew Following two nights of protests in downtown Asheville, including the June 1 escalation that resulted in unrest and destruction of property downtown, the City of Asheville has a curfew of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., in place until further notice. The [...]
A statement from Mayor Esther Manheimer: I respect everyone’s right to demonstrate and express their anger, sadness and frustration. It is important that we support the people’s right to expression, while still ensuring the safety of everyone in our community. Following the last two nights of unrest and destruction of property, I am declaring a city-wide State [...]